We are back home again to our own garden, which greened up nicely in our absence--including our burned off hillside (see previous post in April). Most of the daffodils & jonquils are spent, as is the magnolia. (It was kind enough to leave just 2 blossoms so we could get a glimpse of its recent grandeur.) Bleeding Hearts are bursting, tulips have sprung, red buds are just beginning to pop, and the hostas may unfurl their leaves in an hour or two.
Bird life has returned in abundance; already 4 male Orioles are fighting over the nectar and I lost count after 18 Goldfinches on the feeder. Every year I note when the birds return and write it down in a gardening journal (yes, I know--but remember, we have to make our own fun out here in the sticks!). It's amazing how often their return engagement is within 24 hours of last year's anniversary. I would think that weather would be an obstacle for them at times, but the power of daylight seems to override that, thus ensuring their timely presence at our backyard feeders. Last year on this date, the following birds already visited our backyard:
Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Nuthatch (2 kinds), Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Starling, House Finch, Goldfinch, Robin, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Hummingbird, Catbird, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Bluebird, Northern Flicker, Hermit Thrush, Chipping Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Grackle, and White-Crowned Sparrow.
Phew! They're all here again...except for the elusive Indigo Bunting. It's just a matter of time....
I'll end today with a favorite quote, from Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything:
Life will be.
And that reminds me of an Australian slogan that was popular when I lived there many years ago:
Life. Be in it.
I better just go do that! Bye!
